Science and Engineering Advisory Committee (SEAC)

The SKA will generate enough raw data to fill 15 million 64GB iPods every day!

The Science and Engineering Advisory Committee (SEAC) was established by the SKA Board to advise the Director-General and the Board on matters related to scientific and technical issues.

Recognising that, in the pre-construction phase of the project, the development of the design of the SKA requires a close interaction between scientists and engineers, the SEAC will have the following terms of reference:

1. The committee will comprise respected scientists and engineers identified by the Director-General and appointed by the SKA Board. The membership will have broad geographic & cultural diversity and the required skill base to deliver its terms of reference. The members of the committee act as individual experts and do not represent any organisation.

2. The SEAC members are appointed for a period of 3 years, which may be renewed if appropriate.

3. The SKA Board will select the Chair of the SEAC from amongst its members. The members of SEAC will select a Deputy-Chair.

4. The SEAC will provide advice to the Director-General and to the Board on the:

Current status of the SKA science case

Prioritization of the key SKA science goals

Current status of SKA technical developments

Impact of implementing specific design choices on the performance of the telescope and its ability to meet the technical specification

Other scientific or technical issues as appropriate.

5. The committee will meet face-to-face once per calendar year. The Director-General can request the committee to meet more frequently if required, possibly by video or teleconference.

6. As required the SKA Board or Director-General can provide a specific charge to the committee to seek appropriate advice.

7. The SEAC will provide a written report to the Director-General following each meeting. The Director-General will provide a written response. Both documents will be presented to the SKA Board.